Recall: Dog and Cat Food, Nature Variety Brand

 ABC News
The following recalls have been announced:

— Nature's Variety is recalling one lot of Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats because the products could be contaminated with salmonella. Contaminated pet food can infect animals as well as people who have not handled the products properly. The company received one customer complaint linked to a lot not affected by the recall. There have been no reported pet or human illnesses linked to the recalled lot, according to the Lincoln, Neb., company. The recall involves different forms, including chicken medallions, patties and chubs, with a "best if used by" date of Nov. 10, 2010.

  The affected products are limited to the Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

• 3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
  
• 6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
  
• 2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10

Reed Howlett, Nature’s Variety CEO, stated, "Because pet health and safety are our top priority, Nature’s Variety takes every step necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products. In addition to our industry best manufacturing practices, and in an abundance of caution, all Nature’s Variety raw frozen products now will undergo a ‘test and hold’ period before being released for sale."

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product. People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed the safe handling guidelines set forth by the company.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The products were distributed in retail stores and online in the U.S. and in Canada. Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142. Or, consumers can email Nature’s Variety directly by visiting naturesvariety.com